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Catholic Archbishop in Nigeria Directs that Mass, Holy Hours, Benedictions, Be Offered “specifically for the Pope”

ACI Africa Staff

By ACI Africa Staff

Abuja, 01 March, 2025 / 10:56 pm (ACI Africa).

Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama of Nigeria’s Archdiocese of Abuja has directed Catholic Priests in Parishes to offer Holy Mass, participate in daily Holy Hours, and organize Benedictions “specifically” for Pope Francis, who is being treated for double pneumonia since February 14.

In an interview with ACI Africa on Friday, February 28, Archbishop Kaigama underscored the need for spiritual solidarity with the Holy Father for his recovery and “well-being”.

“The Pope is a human being. He is 88 years old and, like everyone else, can fall ill. However, he is alive, and we must continue praying for his well-being,” the Nigerian Catholic Archbishop said.

He highlighted the various spiritual initiatives he has directed in his Metropolitan See, saying, “I have instructed that every Parish should offer morning Masses specifically for the Pope’s intentions.”

“We have also asked that Holy Hours, benedictions, and other prayer sessions be intensified for his quick recovery,” Archbishop Kaigama told ACI Africa.

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He continued, “We ask all Catholics, and indeed people of goodwill, to pray for him to regain his health as soon as possible.”

Expressing optimism about Pope Francis’ health condition, Archbishop Kaigama said, “The Pope always bounces back after every illness. We believe he will recover and continue his mission of service to humanity.”

Pope Francis’ health condition has remained stable after he began a noninvasive ventilation at Gemelli Hospital when, on Friday, February 28, he reportedly experienced “an isolated crisis of bronchospasm” that resulted in “a sudden worsening” of his respiratory condition, according to the Vatican.

“The night was quiet; the Pope is still resting,” reads the Vatican statement the morning of Sunday, March 2.

Meanwhile, members of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC) have announced the celebration of a “special” Mass for Pope Francis to take place on Monday, March 3.

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In a statement issued February 28, NECC President, Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea of Cameroon’s Catholic Archdiocese of Bamenda invites Catholics to “participate in a Mass that will be celebrated at 12 p.m. at the Mary Queen of Apostles  Basilica in Mvolyé, for the intention of Pope Francis.”

The Eucharistic celebration is to be “a moment of special communion with the Holy Father, to express our compassion for him in his trial, which is also that of the entire Church,” Archbishop Nkea further says.

Abah Anthony John contributed to this story.

ACI Africa Staff

ACI Africa was founded in 2019. We provide free, up-to-the-minute news affecting the Catholic Church in Africa, giving particular emphasis to the words of the Holy Father and happenings of the Holy See, to any person with access to the internet. ACI Africa is proud to offer free access to its news items to Catholic dioceses, parishes, and websites, in order to increase awareness of the activities of the universal Church and to foster a sense of Catholic thought and culture in the life of every Catholic.

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